The Marquess of Salisbury has sparked protest from residents of Welwyn Garden
City after claiming his historical rights over their land

The Marquess of Salisbury has prompted a "peasants' revolt" after claiming his historical manorial rights over his neighbours land.

Lord Salisbury, a former Conservative leader in the House of Lords, has sent legal letters to some of the residents of Welwyn Garden City, prompting fears he may be about to dig up their gardens.

He is claiming “market and fair rights, sporting rights and rights in respect of the mines and minerals beneath the property", but has informed them that it is the mineral rights which are “most significant”.

The claims have provoked an angry backlash, with resident Kim Thomas suggesting that they should “find out whether Lord Salisbury has manorial rights as well as responsibilities, e.g. giving alms to the poor, that kind of thing.”

Residents have joined together in a Facebook uprising to protest against Lord Salisbury’s claims, with some suggesting they should stage a protest in medieval dress with pitchforks and burning torches.